Meta-Analysis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea as Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation
Study Questions:
Does obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affect the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF)?
Methods:
This was a meta-analysis of six studies that examined the relationship between OSA and the recurrence rate of AF after RFCA.
Results:
There were a total of 958 patients with OSA and 3,037 patients without OSA. The duration of follow-up ranged from 7 to 32 months. The risk of recurrent AF after RFCA was 25% higher in the OSA group.
Conclusions:
The authors concluded that OSA is associated with lower long-term efficacy after RFCA of AF.
Perspective:
This meta-analysis does not address the issue of whether treatment of OSA prevents recurrent AF after RFCA. In the largest individual study included in the meta-analysis, 640 patients had OSA. The presence of nonpulmonary vein triggers and the failure to use a continuous positive airway pressure device were significant predictors of recurrent AF. Therefore, it is important to identify and adequately treat OSA in patients who undergo catheter ablation of AF.
Keywords: Recurrence, Follow-Up Studies, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, Catheter Ablation, Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
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